NTRA Reports Support for Withholding Change

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association June 5 reported growing support for its effort to change the way pari-mutuel winnings are calculated for tax purposes.

About 3,000 individuals signed an online petition in the first 48 hours it was available, NTRA officials said. In addition, 17 members of the House of Representatives signed a letter delivered to the United States Department of Treasury June 3.

The letter, co-authored by Republican Rep. Charles Boustany of Louisiana and Democratic Rep. John Yarmuth of Kentucky, was signed by the following House Republicans: Andy Barr, Brett Guthrie, and Hal Rogers of Kentucky; Chris Gibson and Tom Reed of New York; David Jolly, Rich Nugent, and Tom Rooney of Florida; Tim Griffin of Arkansas; Devin Nunes of California; and Todd Young of Indiana.

House Democrats who signed the letter are Frank Pallone and Bill Pascrell Jr. of New Jersey; Mike Thompson of California; and Paul Tonko of New York.

"It is encouraging that this important clarification has received bipartisan support from members of Congress representing so many states," NTRA president and chief executive officer Alex Waldrop said. "This demonstrates the significant economic contribution our industry makes across the country. This message will greatly assist the NTRA legislative team as we continue to work with U.S. senators and other members of Congress for additional support."